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 Why Horseshoes?
Since the Bronze Age when the Romans first began shoeing their horses, the horseshoe has been a symbol of good fortune. Horseshoes have hung above doorways ever since. There is some debate as to proper positioning of a horseshoe. Some believe that the tips of the shoe should point up so that the good luck is retained and that if the horseshoe points down the good luck will be lost. Others believe that the tips of the shoe should point down spilling good luck onto all who pass beneath.
Besides luck, the shape of the horseshoe is pleasing and graceful in its appearance. It is known that shapes generate psychological responses from people. The use of shapes to convey, associate, communicate or reflect meaning has been evident throughout history.
 I’m not sure what it is about the shape of a horseshoe, but I believe this shape psychology to have merit and I can attest to the fact that I enjoy working with horseshoes more than anything else I engrave. I like the shape. Whatever the psychological implications, I simply like horseshoes. Finally, there is something very rewarding about transforming something as plain and utilitarian as a horseshoe into an object which will be valued and admired long after I have left this mortal life. I try always to see beauty in the ordinary. I try to live very simply and close to nature. I think doing so allows me to be more perceptive of the ebb and flow of the natural world around me than if I were to live more conventionally. My favorite saying is this, “If you want to be free, learn to live simply and appreciate the things you have”. |